Ground close combat roles in RAF will open to women

The Defence Secretary has announced that from September 2017 ground close combat roles in the RAF Regiment will be open to women.

Michael Fallon praised the opening of close combat roles to women, ahead of schedule, as a defining moment in the RAF’s history at the annual RAF Air Power Conference in London.

The RAF Regiment is the Air Force’s ground fighting force which protects RAF bases, aircraft and equipment both at home and abroad. In July of last year the Prime Minister and Fallon announced that all three services would open up recruitment to women.

The RAF Regiment was due to open to women by the end of 2018, however the opportunity to invite women earlier than expected has now become available due to a review of work practices which concluded that the Regiment was closer to the Royal Armoured Corps, which already admits women into their training ranks, in terms of risks.

Speaking at the conference, Fallon said: “A diverse force is a more operationally effective force. So I’m delighted that the RAF Regiment will be open to recruitment to women from September. Individuals who are capable of meeting the standards for the regiment will be given the opportunity to serve, regardless of their gender. This is a defining moment for the RAF, as it becomes the first service to have every trade and branch open to both genders.”

Stephen Hillier, chief of the Air Staff, said: “The RAF is committed to providing equal opportunity to all, so it’s fantastic to be able to open recruitment to the RAF Regiment to women ahead of schedule. We want the best and most talented individuals to join the Air Force, regardless of their gender, race, or background. A diverse force is a more effective force, and we need the best people to deliver the important work we do, be it defeating Daesh in Iraq and Syria, or protecting Britain’s skies.”